"Yes, be afraid, be very afraid,
m'Yodaish sleuth," Wrye countered, his face tense with emotion.
"Seventeen-year-old Hope Craig was kidnapped while training to make the
biathlon Olympic team. Two creepazoids seized her right off a ski slope and
stashed her in a remote, winter secure cabin as time trickled away toward her
possible ta da da daaaaaaaaaa death.... For the ransom demand is
unfeasible"

BUY: www.champagnebooks.com

Gives Wrye the look, the
ya-gotta-get-it-together-dude look. "You can get dramatic, you know, but
this time you aren't far off the bull's eye. Hope Craig is resourceful and
tenacious but she is also deaf. In some ways that is an advantage, cause the
'nappers have their imbecilic moments and don't expect her to be so clever."

Poised as a wise ole sage, foot on a
snow dusted log while stroking his chin, Wyre contributes. "Hope's mother
Colonel Amelia Matheson recruits Sheriff Rich Morgan to aid in the
investigation. The two have... history."

"Look fire!"

"Where?"

"The book, silly. Colonel Matheson
and the Sheriff are flint to tinder. She simply can't forget that he once hurt
her. And he simply can't forgive himself either. Yet the sparks continue as
they assemble information, process clues and uncover truths long hidden.
Meanwhile, they try to come to terms with their embittered past while
confronting one unexpected and sinister circumstance after another."

"As always, J. S. Marlo never
fails to entertain and rob me of sleep." Wrye points into cyber space,
thinking Marlo can see him. "Yeah, I mean you, keeping me up to all hours.
I can even stop at a chapter break cause they are all cliffhangers. How can you
do that to an old geezer! Huh!" Took a breath, shook his head and continued.
"I digress. Seriously, folks, this is one of her best suspense thrillers
to date. It's like listening to a drummer who starts out with a steady,
enticing beat that grows and intensifies then gets louder and louder, and then
becomes wild and frantic. You killed it, lady!"

"Didn't I tell you, dramaaaatic!
But, I, too, digress. Another winner for J. S. Marlo, going to read this saga
about Quest, Phoenix and Ducky again because I was so caught up, I read like fiend.
Now, I want to take my time. Oh, y'all wondering who those characters are?
Gotta read the book to find out. Let's just say, they are so well-rounded and
dimensional, they must be real. I am looking them up online cause I wanna meet
them. Truly and seriously, Marlo is an author of suspense surpassed by none,
and this book is one you don't want to miss. Just buckle up for a wild and
intoxicating ride!

Tattle and Wrye loop arms as they jump
into a revisit review of, UNBALANCED
by Courtney Shepard, a paranormal
romance.

Tattle clears her throat and begins,
“Long, long ago four young girls were abducted by the Master, and henceforth
generations of four sisters are pulled back to the current Master of The
Order.The sisters’ powers grow with
every generation; thereby The Order’s need for that power intensifies.They cannot exist without it, and they have a
decisive and heinous end plan.”

“This latest generation of sisters had
been separated at birth yet they are all still hunted.” Narrowing his eyes,
Wrye offers a sinister snarl.“And they
feel it, believe there is something more to their existence and soon those
reasons unfold even as the threat of death dodges them.This is a tale of four powerful women who
have the ability to command the element of nature.Asha, the main heroine of this story, is fire
and is as independent and tough as they come as well as quite explosive when
her temper is ignited.” Uses both hands to imitate the universal symbol of
something exploding.

“Her love interest, Clay,” Tattle sighs
the name, “… has his own mysterious depths and from the first you feel he might
pose a threat. Still, he has been drawn to her, believes her to be the powerful
woman who has haunted his dreams, La Guerrero Reina, the Warrior Queen. He
pledges himself to her, but there is something more to this hot-to-the-bone
hero, and their romance has the curve twisting velocity of a roller coaster
ride as their passion increases and their love strengthens despite an
unwavering sense, woven into the underside of the story that smacks of
betrayal.”

“The backdrop of the story also shows
the persistent struggle of women through the ages in life and in religion. The
prevalent magic underpinning the story, along with the slow unveiling of the
truth behind The Order, and the reason for the sisters’ power is fully
compelling.Good and evil has its place
as well, but neither is pure which makes it all more human and realistic.”

Tattle adds, “The characters are all
well-drawn with the sisters being very tough, no-nonsense and determined. The
men they are drawn to, with a future promise of possibilities, also exhibit that
fighting spirit, and they too share a mysterious aura that keeps the reader
wondering at the truth. The sexuality of the book has steam and heat enough to
pull you into the romance, yet is delightfully devoid of any crudeness or
obscenity, making the various elements of mystery, romance, fantasy, magic and
danger all balanced.”

“Courtney Shepard wove a tale that
stays with you days past reading it.” Wrye gives his serious and penetrating
look.“The plot was swiftly paced,
cleverly written while the dialogue was brisk, addictive and true to life. If
there is any complaint it is that it ended too soon.I want to read more of this universe, uncover
the finer depths of The Order, the deeper mystery behind the sisters. These
feelings, I believe the author, skillfully and deliberately provoked with the
purpose of sequels, one for each of the sisters, Ivy, Mere and Avia, of which I
am looking forward to reading. UNBALANCED is a book with a hook! If you enjoy
the paranormal with strong female leads, this is certainly the story for you.”

***
We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at writingteamcw@yahoo.com (Write - Blog Dawn - in subject line) and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a free ebook (choose erotic or romantic thriller) and add you to any future mailings.

Sunday, September 24, 2017

Of course, that was Hamlet considering suicide. For me, “the
rub” is waking up exhausted from a night of wandering through rambling homes, green
hills, or rough mountainous paths, visiting with everyone from my past, both
fictional and real.

During our waking hours we organize our time and thoughts
around tasks we need or choose to do. But, let night come and the brain runs
amuck. No more organization; no more control.

“Annie Karenina,” a novella, is an example of what one of my
dreams might look like. Lady Elizabeth Killington inherits an estate in England
and finds the manse occupied with fictional characters from classic literature.
She is given the opportunity to help Anna Karenina redeem herself and live on.

The Reluctant
Daughters is the direct result of a full length dream/story. I saw the
costumes, the settings, met the women of the story and understood their
relationships. I envisioned Ledger, but did wonder how this elderly black
gentleman fit into the picture. No question the inciting incident for the story
came about by the decision of the antagonist, the evil senator. Stereotype?
Maybe, maybe not. Set in the years 1865 to 1900, I traveled through the night
with these people by train and yacht, spent time in the rundown home of the
wealthy Elisabeth (there’s that name again) Acket-Riis, who controlled her
granddaughters with an iron fist. I even spent time in an opium den with her
daughter, Mary Ellen. I awoke able to feel the texture of the fabrics of their
gowns, the steam of the train engines, the fresh air on the water, and taste
the steak at Delmonico’s.

Funny thing, dreams. When you let the mind go play by
itself, it is amazing what it can conjure.

Happy dreams.

Veronica Helen Hart is
the author of eight novels, and dozens of short stories and novellas. Her award
winning work is published by Champagne Books, and her own Uppity Woman
Press. She spends her waking hours
compartmentalizing five or six books at a time as she writes and edits for two
publishers and several private clients. And she wonders why she has such
scrambled dreams!

Sunday, September 17, 2017

I must come right out and admit it.
I’m four days late with this essay.

I could use the excuse that I just spent
two weeks in Nova Scotia and paid no attention to doing any serious writing. I
did answer a few emails.

I could use the excuse that the
week before NS I was at When Words Collide in Calgary speaking on some panels
and meeting my new publisher.

As soon as I returned home I had a request
for a book review waiting. I volunteer for an on-line magazine.

Since I’ve been back I’ve met with
a couple of writer friends to discuss our participation in Comic Con in
October.

How about that I started working on
a sequel to the Sci Fi epic I wrote that is now sitting at the publisher
waiting for a yea or nay? Or the fact that I’ve started working on what might
be the ninth or tenth novella in the Housetrap Chronicles? For a week I was
alternating days between the two projects, one day Sci Fi epic, the next,
Housetrap nonsense.

Then, just as I’m settling into a
productive routine, I get the galleys back marked “rush” on the third book in a
trilogy that was originally scheduled to come out last July. So I put
everything else on the back burner.

This afternoon, getting ready to tackle
galleys again, I finally glanced at my trust calendar perched a foot from the
tip of my nose and noticed my Writers Vineyard schedule, clearly marked. Where did
the time go?

So oops, here is my very rushed
apology. I promise to do better next month! Honest!

Friday, September 15, 2017

Ah ha! Bet you are thinking this article is all about coffee or cream or
even the juxtaposition of the usual into the unusual.

Z: Huh?
A: Go with it...
Z: Ooookay!

First... well... a first... for this blog, anyway, we are introducing us. Errr... the picture of us. We never put a pic up of the dynamic, zany duo and our alter personalities, but here we are, in all our quirkiness. We aren't just writing partners, but we're not spouse, however we are family. Up to you to figure that part out. We hafta keep a few secrets ya know.

Z: Huh?
A: Go with it...
Z: Ooookay!

So, now to the meat of the article. We're actually going to discuss a book's backstory. Think of your
novel as coffee and your backstory as cream. You usually add just a bit of
cream to your coffee not the other way around, except for Zi, but that's a pot
of another kettle.

Z: Huh?
A: Go with it...
Z: Ooookay!

Anywho, many novice writers are so anxious to share their research and
development, they bog down the opening with as much information as they can.

Z: By the way don't you drink tea?
A: That's not the point...
Z: But....
A: Do you want to write this?
Z: Thought you'd never ask. (With a hip bump moves Angelica's chair aside
until he is settled before the keyboard.)

The backstory is a vital part of plotting. It stimulates the story, and
gives the characters motivation. After all, each character has a past and
present, and a certain amount of that has to be conveyed. And, even though you
might know the characters inside, backwards and upside down, the reader doesn't
need to hear about the protagonist's fifth grade science project that blew up
spewing purple dye all over Mrs. Greenspan. Unless, of course, it is vital to
the story's conflict.

A: Hey wait, that wasn't a backstory but an actual event. You were in sixth
grade when that happened, weren't you?"
Z: Errr...my lawyers have adviced me not to discuss the case. It's still
under investigation.
A: (Gives him that look that suggests insanity)

So, here are a few key factors to K I S S (Keep It Simply Simple) your way
to the perfect amount of backstory.

KEEP -

While creating your character, make their history rich. Make certain you
write down everything from your characters' most embarrassing moments to who
they took to the senior prom and if they prefer chocolate to mud pie crimple
ice cream, and then, don't use anything but that which is pertinent to the
story. Plus, only go back in time as far as is necessary. The opulence of your
character will come through just because you know them so well. It will shine
in their speech, their mannerisms, and the way they think.

IT -

There is always that IT factor in every story, the thing that is the crux of
the story. For the present conflict to exist there must be something in the
backstory that is relevant and must be told, and sometimes in great depth.
Still, sprinkle it in, slowly, a bit at a time. It's like adding sugar to that
ole coffee. Too sweet and people will make a face, or in a narrative just get
bored and put the book down.

SIMPLY -

There are simply some great places you can add backstory that work better
than others. The prologue is usually a good spot to drop a few spicy tidbits
like cinnamon in your brew. Here you can tell rather than show more easily than
anywhere else in the story. Using the character's memory is another great tool.
Something current can trigger a recollection. Also, a flashback is a great
method of allowing the reader to see what had happened to create the present
circumstance. One of the most basic conduits for the backstory is dialogue.
Characters can reflect, explain, and address basic aspects of the plotline all
while sitting across from each other having, well, a cup of coffee or climbing
Mt. Everest, all depends on your story.

SIMPLE -

Remember simple is better. Don't be so enamored with your backstory that you
distract from the action. Too much of it hinders the flow of the story. What
had happened to set the plot in motion needs to be streamlined. Pare down your
paragraphs and pages of information to a single line. Sum it up and place it
strategically in the prose.

The backstory is the stimuli and the foundation of the book, but it is not
the totality of the story, nor is it the pure action that keeps the readers
moving along. So, when you ask yourself if you want a little plot with your
backstory, remember to tell yourself to hold the cream.

A: Huh?
Z: I'm just tying it in to the beginning.
A: But...
Z: Hey, how about a cuppa?
A: You buyin'?
Z: Don't I always.

***
We'd love to hear from anyone interested in what we do. Anyone who writes us at writingteamcw@yahoo.com (Write - Blog Dawn - in subject line) and leaves an s-mail address, we will send you a free ebook (choose erotic or romantic thriller) and add you to any future mailings.

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Please welcome, H K Carlton, an outstanding fellow Canadian author (so sweet to be able to say that of such a warm, wonderful human being) of many outstanding books! Thanks so much for being here! I'm looking forward, with pleasure, to your sharing your thoughts on writing and learning more about you and your work. :-) So, without further adieu...

(1) When did you realize or decide you wanted to be a writer? Or what inspires you to plunk yourself down for hours on end and write, opening a vein in the process?

I’ve always told myself stories while trying to fall asleep at night, from my earliest recollection. That hasn’t changed. I still do it. I do some of my best plotting then. The hard part now, is remembering all the good stuff when I wake up. 😊

I’ve always been a jotter. I’d write down scenes or ideas that came about, but other than assignments for creative writing class in school, I didn’t write entire stories from beginning to end. At the time, I never considered showing anyone else.

It wasn’t until son number two, left for college—he was the first to leave the nest— that I started writing entire manuscripts. Mainly, I was simply trying to keep my mind occupied and not worry twenty-four-seven about my baby out there in the big bad world. But also at that time, I had about three very different stories and a cast of characters that I could not get out of my head. It wasn’t until I actually wrote them down, that I found some peace. And when I was finished, I didn’t think they were half bad. I mustered up the courage to send bits and pieces to my sister—I left out the smutty parts. Lol. [To my knowledge, to this day, she still has not read the racy scenes]. That was a big step all on it’s own. To open myself up like that. But I knew, she would be honest with me. I trusted that if it was bad, she would out and out tell me so and would dissuade me from submitting it and embarrassing myself that way. But she loved it and actually hounded me for the next chapter and the next. It was just the encouragement I needed to polish it up and start sending out queries to potential publishers. And to my surprise, all three of those early stories found homes. My three children have also been extremely supportive and my loudest cheerleaders. I’ve always encouraged them to follow their dreams, now they say, it’s my turn.

(2) What has been your best experience as an author so far?

The best part of this process has been the people I’ve met along the way. Readers, editors, publishers, fellow authors. I’ve met some truly wonderful and talented people on this journey and made some friendships that will last a lifetime even if this writing gig hits the skids. 😄

(3) What sort of challenges have you faced as a writer? How did you overcome them?

I find the promotion part of it tough. There just doesn’t seem to be enough time to market and write and edit and blog and keep up a social media presence etc. It’s hard to get noticed. The advice I’ve been given is to write the next book, and the next and the next. Easier said than done.

Also lately, I’ve been going through a slow period. I have so many ideas and more unfinished manuscripts than I can keep track of but zero ambition to finish them. It’s not writer’s block, the ideas are there, I just don’t want to do the work. I used to want to write more than anything else. I’d get almost angry when real life cut into my creativity. Now it’s the opposite, I’ll do just about anything to avoid getting down to work. It’s like I’ve lost my passion and the early excitement I used to thrive on. Unfortunately, I haven’t overcome it yet. Any advice, tips or tricks, would be welcome, folks.

(4) How do you research and plan your books? Do you find outlining helps or hinders your process?

I pretty much do the research as I go. I look things up as they come up in the storyline.

(5) Tell us a little about your writing nook! What time of day you write? Do you have any rituals for getting into the process?

I write whenever, wherever the mood strikes me. I just need my laptop, my trusty Chihuahua, Ken. He’s my sidekick/co-author. Sometimes, I also have a bowl of dry Honey-nut Cheerios. And yes, we share. 😉

(6) Of all the characters you’ve created or written about, who would you most want to be/or date?

I suppose I’d want to be Holly Cambridge from the Always Cambridge Series. Although being the daughter of mob boss, Bill Cambridge, her life is filled with violence and tragedy. But on the flipside she more than makes up for it, in the man department. Between her rugged and steadfast bodyguard, Randy Phillips, and later FBI Agent Alex Orton, who challengers her at every turn, to drop-dead gorgeous, Victor Mayhue, from the Mayhue crime family, one of the Cambridge families’ biggest rivals, Holly’s love life is turbulent but incredibly passionate.

(7) What’s your best advice to new writers?

Take the good with the bad. Savour the good reviews and praise, and give yourself a pat on the back for a job well done, but also take note of the criticism, and learn from it, turn it into a positive and make your writing better. And always remember, you can’t please everybody.

(8) What project are you currently working on? Can you share something about the characters or story?

I’m working on a piece for an anthology call. Though, with my lagging ambition, I’m not holding out much hope for hitting the deadline.

(9) What’s next for you?

I’m hoping—fingers crossed—to get a jump on the holiday season.

I started a couple of Christmas themed stories last year. I’d really like to finish those up and submit them for the season ahead.

Thank you so much for having me on your lovely blog, January!I’m honoured to be your first guest. Hugs!

Latest Release – Autumn’s Healing – Totally Bound

Paranormal Erotic Romance

Released – May 16, 2017

Blurb:

Rarely do we get to pick our battles… Often, they choose us.

Single mom Mikaylah MacDonough and her only daughter Autumn have been on their own a long time. So, when Autumn goes off to school, it seems only natural for Kaylah to pull up stakes and follow, though with some clear-cut boundaries, of course. She’s determined to give Autumn space to enjoy the whole college experience but remain close enough for emergencies, meals and laundry. But when the closing date of the current house overlaps with taking possession of the ‘new’ house, along with orientation week, Autumn has to go it alone. From that moment on, Kaylah’s dreams of a new beginning turn into a complete and total nightmare.

When former serviceman Jerusalem Aames drives up to the century-old Cleary house, he sees dollar signs for himself and his all-veteran crew. The rundown, old place would finally put his fledgling construction-renovation firm in the black. But the moment he meets the gorgeous homeowner who had been duped into buying the money-pit, his attraction is swift and instantaneous.

However, there’s something very strange going on in the dilapidated house that has nothing to do with rotting timbers or shoddy wiring. Whatever it is, it’s affecting Kaylah’s state of mind, and Salem finds himself in a battle he’s not sure he can win.

The Always Cambridge Series chronicles the life of Holly Cambridge through her tumultuous childhood, violent teen years, into adulthood, and the consequences that stem from being the daughter of mob boss, Bill Cambridge.

~

Caught up in a bitter blood feud with the rival Mayhue family and unable to bear the violence that claimed her mother, Holly sets out to right her father's wrongs. But instead she embarks on an epic journey of sex, love, loss, tragedy and life-altering choices that not only impact her life but that of her beloved bodyguard, Randy Phillips; unsuspecting Federal Agent, Alex Orton; and surprisingly of all, Victor Mayhue, a member of the reviled Mayhue clan.

Can Holly distance herself and the ones she loves, from the violence and corruption she abhors, or will she discover a truth she's feared all along ... Mob life is forever!

Friday, August 18, 2017

Living in her grandfather’s Newfoundland cabin in the outskirts of nowhere, Hannah Parker defended both herself and her young son by using simple tenacity and persistence. Many would consider being deaf a weakness, Hannah ignored it, not allowing the disability to define her any more than she allowed her damaged reputation to brand her. Still, troubles followed her. Deceit stalked her. A killer lurked in the woods and she anticipated no one will believe that truth. Then again, she oft suspected most who come across her path. After all, she didn't even report the local constable’s sexual harassment, believing they would take his statement over hers.

Having been tossed into the remote Newfoundland detachment, the irresistible, slightly knavish Constable Avery Stone immediately delves into unraveling the truth behind unsolved crimes and the death of a dishonored officer. During his investigation, he came upon Hannah and took an interest in the spunky woman and her young son. Knowing few things were as they appeared, he believed in her more than what appeared in reports or what was rumored by those who only thought they understood.

A tangle of deceit mired with a surplus of danger has Hannah accepting Avery’s help, and both falling for the other with instinctive trust.Only, Hannah’s past relentlessly shadowed her in ways she doesn’t even comprehend, and death set a trap to keep the truth hidden. Would either her or Avery be able to unravel the endless knots of deception before Hannah and her son were destroyed?

Wrye paced, shaking off the intensity of the story he just devoured. “Wow! Another well-plotted, nicely paced, and mystery oriented story in the third of the Duty Bound Series. UNTAMED has not lost any of the steam or power of the previous two books. It is a stand-alone yet for those who read the first two, it has a few past references to keep the connection alive. Once again, J.S. Marlo has taken us on a journey filled with twists and complications that leave us guessing. There is just enough romance to make you cheer on not only the individual characters but the couple, hopefully to be a family. Hannah, her son Rory and even the dog Snowflake are endearing. Avery beams hero in every possible way, yet has enough tarnish to make him real. This is the perfect read with an unexpected climax and satisfying end. I’m looking forward to more from J.S. Marlo.”

Tattle sipped ginger-spiced tea and sighed. “The Duty Bound Series as a whole is so absorbing and mesmerizing. Each story is unique, and it is difficult to define a favorite. This latest though has taken intrigue to a new level. Imagine being alone in a far off place with a young son to protect, and then imagine you can’t hear. Following this heroine made every shadow, every new turn, every unexpected danger more intense. As always, the writing was tight, the characters realistic, the plot complex and the villains were nasty even though discovering who was villainous was left to the end. And that wasn’t the only obscure identity in the story.” Tattle ran a finger across her lips as if zipping up and locking. “I can say no more. You have to read to discover the reality. And not just this story, but the whole series. You will be enthralled and entertained.”